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Scripture readings for Sunday
Life today is very hectic, and very few of us are unaffected by the busyness which afflicts society. We tend to feel guilty if we are not energetically pursuing some goal or other, and in my recent Appraisal interview with the Bishop of Lincoln I had to address the issue of what goals I had in mind both in my parish ministry and in my own life. After the exceedingly busy year we have just had, dealing with the introduction of Common Worship, the eradication of dry rot and so many other matters beside the continuing care of the parish I said that my target was to do less!
Whilst there is no room for laziness and self-indulgence, there can and must be room for proper rest and reflection, and most of all for prayer and study. No Christian can remain faithful for long without spending time properly with God, otherwise we end up like the prodigal's older brother: slaving ungraciously for our Father in heaven instead of responding lovingly to the love he has for us. This applies to all of us, lay or ordained.
Of course there are many jobs to be done in a parish, by lay people and by clergy, in church and in the community, but the most important one of all is prayer, closely followed by study of the Bible. Be still and know God. Get these things right first, and all the rest will follow, and do not let the world, the church or the Vicar make you feel you should be doing more - unless your own prayers lead you to the same conclusion, of course!
4th February, 4th before Lent:
11th February: 3rd before Lent:
18th February: 2nd before Lent:
25th February: Next before Lent:
28th February: Ash Wednesday:
4th March: 1st of Lent:
Several volunteers have offered to give a lift to anyone who would otherwise not be able to get to church. If you would like a lift at any time either on a regular or occasional basis, please contact the Churchwardens.
On Tuesday 27th February at 7-00pm there will be a Pancake Party, this will be followed by a Beetle Drive.
Admission £1-50
Maximum 40. Please put your names on list at rear of Church.
This year's study for Lent is yet to be finalized as we go to press, but the subject will that of following Christ and growing as his disciples.
As usual the Friday morning study group will follow the Lent Course for the five weeks beginning on the Friday after Ash Wednesday (i.e. 2nd March), and there will be an evening group starting on the following Wednesday, 7th March. Details will be published in church and on the web site as soon as they are complete, and will also be in the March Priory News.
The Women's World Day of Prayer Movement celebrates its annual Day of Prayer on Friday 2nd March 2001.
The Service comes from the islands of Samoa in the Pacific Ocean. These form one of the smallest countries in the world, comprising two main islands and eight smaller. The capital and centre of government and commerce is Apia.
The people live simply and life centres around the family and extended family groups and there is great reverence for the Samoan way of life.
Religion is one of the most important aspects of Samoan culture and is incorporated in the islands' motto "Samoa is founded on God".
As we learn about their country and the vast needs of so many in the world today they urge us through their chosen theme, "Informed prayer, prayerful action" to have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to respond.
Men, women and children will be meeting together in over 180 countries on this day and we invite you to join with us in a service in your area.
Through this day of prayer may we find the wisdom and courage to act with generosity, respect and compassion.
Locally a service will be held in The Priory Church at 10.30 am on 2nd March when the Preacher will be Sonia Marshall. The following churches will also be taking part: St. Guthlac's; The Roman Catholic Church; The Methodist Church; The Open Door Church and the Anglican Church of West Deeping.
Refreshments will be served after the service.
The Christingle Service in December raised £166.34 which has been sent for the work of The Children's Society and a receipt has now been received.
The children looked in depth at the Christmas stories all through December, and activities included:
Special thanks are due to Petra McCabe Enterprises (no job too small) for the excellent cut-out "Christmas Tree", and to all our assistant leaders who put in so much time and effort to make the whole period such fun for the children and to produce such high-quality results.
This term the children are looking at the childhood and early ministry of Jesus, and anyone aged from three years to eleven years would be more than welcome to join the appropriate group, bringing a parent if they wish!
Details are available from Petra (343370) for under 7s and Alison (345890) for 7-11s.
Alison WarrickOur Pathfinders group had a very successful second term last autumn, with a number of the young people using the sessions of basic Christian teaching as preparation for confirmation, and everyone learning a lot about God and about themselves. Four members were confirmed, along with four adults from the congregation, in December, and more are expected to be confirmed in March.
It was not all work, though! One evening began with the All Saints Sausage Supper and fireworks display which was also enjoyed by others, and some of the work was supplemented by games and activities. There was a walk around the village one evening, and one whole session saw the Vicarage sitting room transformed into a cinema for a showing of Flight of the Navigator (cert U).
The tuck shop continues to be a favorite aspect of the sessions (do any of these kids eat at home?!).
While a lot of the members were away over Christmas, Celia, Rachel and Edd, assisted by Explorers Matthew and Joanne, did a very good piece of drama on Christmas morning which reminded us all that Jesus is not just a baby in a manger but also a man on a cross. They are to be congratulated on a splendid performance at a time when they were so busy with other things. Thanks are due to Joanne and Matthew for stepping in to take the parts of Mary and Joseph.
This term the Pathfinders are looking at the life of Jesus through the film "The Miracle Maker" and a BBC activity book, although there will not be a shortage of social events as well. The group continues to grow and includes members of other churches as well as our own. we welcome this term Rose Chapman as an additional leader, and would be glad of more help if anyone can spare a few Sunday evenings a year to enable us to ensure that two adults are always available.
Anyone aged about 11-14 would be welcome to join, and we meet at the Vicarage between 7.30pm and 9pm on Sundays in term time.
For details, please contact Richard (344926) or Mark (345890).
Last month we looked at the theological aspects of the proposed reordering of the church; this month we consider a few of the practical aspects. It had become increasingly apparent that we needed to make better provision for those members of our congregation with physical disabilities of varying degrees. Recent legislation was a further prompt. It was suggested by the Archdeacon of Lincoln that better access to the communion rail would be afforded by simply moving the rail to the lower step of the sanctuary, thus making it on the one hand unnecessary for those with disabilities to climb steps and on the other for the PCC to install special handrails. The altar rails and kneelers will be adapted to suit the new situation if the arrangement is made permanent.
It was also apparent that better provision could be made for the reading of Holy Scripture, for the presentation of candidates for Baptism and also for the use of musical instruments at the Family Eucharist and other special occasions. The lectern has been moved to the foot of the pulpit thus bringing the reader closer to the congregation. Our temporary faculty also covers the removal of the front three pews on the south side of the nave, once removed this will provide essential space. The actual removal was delayed over the Christmas period while seating was restricted in the area affected by dry rot.
Treatment of the dry rot was instigated immediately but other remedial work is still in hand. It has been suggested however that the panelling on the nave walls affords a trap for damp conditions and rot and it would be preferable to remove it. This would also have the advantage of making the nave appear more spacious. Again, we shall be seeking feedback from the congregation and thank you for your patience while essential repairs are being carried out.
Soak sugar, All Bran, fruit and milk in a basin overnight. Mix in flour. Pour into a 1 lb lined loaf tin and bake at 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4 for 1 to 1½ hours.
Serve buttered with a slice of cheese.
For the first time in several years, we rang out the old year and welcomed in the new. Hopefully there will be sufficient ringers to repeat this in future years.
On Friday 12th January 2001 the ringers, partners and friends enjoyed their annual dinner at a local venue.
We have also welcomed a new recruit to ringing. A grandson of one of the ringers has shown some interest and has joined us for his first ring and our two recruits from last year are making good progress.
We are all looking forward to another bumper year of enjoyment in our ringing and social calendar for the year 2001.
We welcome into adult membership
7th:
We congratulate:
We commend to God's keeping:
This is only an extract from some of our magazine. Residents of Deeping St James can subscribe to the printed version.
Copyright © 2001 Deeping St James PCC
Created by WebEdit, 2 February 2001